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Nielsen shoots out of gate in discus throw

Coming off a third-place finish in the Section 8-2A discus throw, junior Ally Nielsen kicked off the 2008 outdoor season still on a roll.

Nielsen marked the longest discus throw in the state to date in this young season at Thief River Falls Tuesday, with a distance of 130-0. In all four of her attempts, she set personal best marks each time.

"It's pretty impressive, since Ally hasn't had the chance to throw the discus much this season (due to snowy conditions)," said DL head coach Mike Labine.

"At the end of last year, it really started to click for her, it looked like she just started to get it."

Nielsen's start to the season will obviously be beneficial in regards to her confidence, as well as being able to concentrate on more advanced training in practice.

"She has grasped the technique, so now we can start working on her foot speed and quickness," Labine added.

It's been a three-week period where the Lakers haven't been able to practice outside. They have had only two practices outside since the season started March 10, while their northern opponents such as Thief River Falls haven't missed a day outside.

"We are about three weeks behind and it showed (Tuesday)," Labine said of the TRF meet. "But we looked as expected without having the opportunity of practicing out- side. So we went to Thief River Falls using it as a practice."

The Lakers still finished in a four-way tie for fourth, with 36 points out of 14 teams. They picked up the most points in discus, where Nielsen obviously won and was followed by Amber Lee in third at 101-0.

In the high jump, where the Lakers are starting from scratch basically, Kayla Lang hit a 4-10 mark, tied for fourth.

"Chelsey Wirtz and Potvin each hit 4-8, so all three of our jumpers are doing well this early," Labine said.

All four of DL's relays took fourth, as well.

It was the first time of the season the Laker sprinters had a legit workout outdoors, while it was only the second or third time many of the DL athletes had the opportunity to take part in track activities outside.

"It will be another three weeks before we can pull the entire team together," Labine said.

The Lakers will send their younger portion -- mostly freshmen -- to the Park Rapids meet Tuesday, while sending the other half Friday to Thief River Falls.